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🇦🇪 ADGM (Abu Dhabi)

Institutional-grade, common-law crypto hub with rigorous substance requirements and a fast-evolving Virtual Asset framework distinct from Dubai's VARA and DIFC

Crypto (CASP / VASP) E-money (EMI)
Last verified 2026-08-15 Next review 2026-08-29

Data verified: oldest cell 47 days ago (verified 2026-07-02). Individual cells show their own verification date below.

Capital requirement Capital requirement is included with access. Included with access Timeline to authorisation Timeline to authorisation is included with access. Included with access Application cost Application cost is included with access. Included with access Passporting Passporting is included with access. Included with access

Licence type

Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the FSRA to carry on one or more 'Regulated Activities' in relation to Virtual Assets under the ADGM Financial Services and Markets Regulations (FSMR), e.g. Operating a Multilateral Trading Facility (exchange), Providing Custody, Dealing in Investments as Principal/Agent (broker-dealer), Managing Assets, or Advising on Investments, each 'in relation to Virtual Assets.' The framework was originally branded 'Operating a Crypto Asset Business' (2018 Guidance) and has since been folded into the broader Virtual Asset regulated-activities regime under the 'Guidance - Regulation of Virtual Asset Activities in ADGM' (most recent version 10 June 2025). A related but separate activity/licence covers issuing Fiat-Referenced Tokens (FRTs, i.e. stablecoins).

Verified 7 weeks agoSource: FSRA Guidance - Regulation of Virtual Asset Activities in ADGM (VER07, 10 June 2025): https://en.adgm.thomsonreuters.com/rulebook/guidance-regulation-virtual-asset-activities-adgm-10-june-2025 ; ADGM Digital Assets page: https://www.adgm.com/business-areas/digital-assets

Regulator

Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Verified 3 days agoSource: ADGM/FSRA official site: https://www.adgm.com/business-areas/digital-assets

Recent changes

June 10, 2025: FSRA implemented major amendments, shifted from FSRA pre-approval for Virtual Assets to a notification-based process built on applicant self-assessment; introduced express prohibition on privacy tokens and algorithmic stablecoins; revised capital requirements and fees for VA firms; added product-intervention power for virtual assets. September 2025 (Abu Dhabi Finance Week): FSRA published Consultation Paper No. 10 of 2025 proposing a staking framework. Finalised Fiat-Referenced Token (FRT) framework followed, with FEES Rulebook amendments effective 1 January 2026 (published 31 October 2025). April 29, 2026: FSRA finalised the Virtual Asset staking regulatory framework after consultation. December 2025/January 2026: Binance received FSRA approval (announced 7 December 2025) to operate its global Binance.com platform in ADGM via three regulated entities, described as the first global platform-level licence of this kind under the ADGM framework, operations beginning 5 January 2026. On 7 Jul 2026 the FSRA granted a Financial Services Permission to BTCS (Middle East), the Abu Dhabi subsidiary of Bitcoin Suisse, covering spot trading in accepted virtual assets, institutional custody and derivatives for institutional and professional clients. On 23 July 2026 the FSRA recognised Tether Gold (XAUT) as an Accepted Spot Commodity in ADGM, a spot-commodities recognition distinct from the virtual-asset regulated activities, allowing appropriately permissioned firms to offer the token.

Verified 17 days agoSource: ADGM media announcements: https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements ; ADGM announcements (7 Jul 2026): https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/bitcoin-suisse-advances-middle-east-expansion-receiving-financial-services-permission-in-abu-dhabi ; FSRA announcement (10 June 2025 amendments): https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-fsra-implements-amendments-to-its-digital-asset-regulatory-framework ; ADFW 2025 announcement: https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-fsra-presents-key-enhancements-to-its-digital-assets-framework-at-abu-dhabi-finance-week-2025 ; Binance/ADGM announcement (7 Dec 2025): https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/binance-becomes-first-crypto-exchange-to-secure-a-global-license-under-adgm-framework-setting-a-new-standard-in-digital-asset-regulation

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Not legal advice. Entries marked placeholder or awaiting verification shouldn't be relied on. Verify with ADGM (Abu Dhabi)'s regulator and qualified local counsel before acting.